Episode 20 Animal 24:7


Episode 20

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Britain's animals are under threat.

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All too often, our wildlife and domestic pets

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are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.

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Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people

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trying to protect and care for them right around the clock.

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This is Animal 24:7.

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In the air, on land and in the water,

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Britain is a haven for animals.

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But when they come up against man, their lives are often in danger.

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From our cramped inner cities to our fields and hedgerows,

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from the highest moorland to the coast and beyond,

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Animal 24:7 is with the people working around the clock

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to save endangered wildlife and protect vulnerable pets.

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These are their stories.

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On today's programme -

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North Yorkshire police? It's RSPCA Inspector 403...

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The police are called to four neglected dogs.

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The conditions are appalling for these animals. I'll be looking at getting the animals seized.

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I will have a vet here when you arrive, over.

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Ozzie, the bad-tempered lizard who needs a new owner.

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OK, on the scale of most aggressive iguanas...

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-I've got his tail.

-Yeah, I'm not worried about the tail, it's the legs.

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He's down.

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And, on the move - the ducks evicted from their up-market home.

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We're going to do some duck-herding,

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which you'll enjoy.

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That sounds suspiciously like I'm going to look like a fool!

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First, though, we're off to North Yorkshire, and a complaint of cruelty involving four dogs.

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Calls concerning neglect can often involve a number of different issues.

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The animal may be underweight, kept in dirty or dangerous conditions,

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or left chained up for hours at a time.

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It's not that often, however, that an inspector finds all of these issues at one single property.

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This overgrown garden in North Yorkshire is home to four dogs,

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and there's a report that every single one of them is being neglected.

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RSPCA inspector Jill Cawdor has been called to investigate.

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I'm just knocking on the door to establish if it's the right address or not,

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but I can hear dogs, so I suspect this is where we want to be.

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Jill decides to check where the barking is coming from, and she's shocked at what she sees.

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There are four dogs in the yard, all are in a worrying state,

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and Jill is appalled at their conditions.

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OK, you're OK. You're OK, come on.

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No, I'm very, very unhappy with this.

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Jill is immediately concerned for this Labrador cross called Shandy.

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She's underweight and very nervous.

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You can see, the arrangement for this dog is absolutely unacceptable.

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The dog is underweight, it's left on a lead that short that she can hang herself,

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there's no water for that dog, she's living in her own faeces, living in mud.

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This German Shepherd called Snowy also has a whole host of problems.

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She's underweight, she's got no shelter, she's got no comfortable resting area, she's got no bedding,

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the fact she's tethered on such a heavy chain...

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She's really very thin, is this dog. You know, under the coat.

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The coat's hiding quite a lot, but the dog is very, very thin.

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Very nervous. Aren't you?

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And there are also two Rottweilers called Bronson and Tia.

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They seem healthier, but their environment is completely inappropriate.

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It's the big male Rottweiler at the end.

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The Rottie bitch in the pen, at least she is loose,

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but again, no water, living in her own faeces, it's full of hazards.

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The conditions are just completely unacceptable.

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The male Rottweiler at the end, he's tethered to a caravan axle,

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but he's wound himself up that much on the caravan axle, he can't...

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You can see him now, he can literally sit his bottom

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on the step of his kennel entrance, but he can't actually get in there.

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What little bit of water he's got in a bucket is absolutely brown.

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All of the dogs have their own different problems.

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Almost every kind of neglect is evident at this property,

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and Jill thinks she has dealt with these dogs before, but at a different house.

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I believe the people that live here are some people that I've previously dealt with.

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It certainly is the same dogs,

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and, yes, they have had several visits from me,

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one of which was a warning notice for similar things,

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but the dogs are in worse condition than when I saw them for the warning notice,

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and the warning has been given,

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so there won't be another warning from my point of view.

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I'm not prepared to leave these animals in this situation,

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so I'm going to make some telephone calls now, and see what I can get arranged.

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I've got a cruelty case and I need a vet on-site...

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The vet's professional opinion is needed before Jill can seize these dogs and get them treated.

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No, it's four dogs.

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'OK. All right, thanks for that.'

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The vet is on his way. Now Jill needs to call the police.

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North Yorkshire police? It's RSPCA Inspector 403. Are you receiving, over?

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I've walked in on a job with four dogs.

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The conditions are appalling for these animals, and I'll be looking

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at getting the animals seized and taken away.

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I will have a vet down here when you arrive, over.

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-Bye, now. Bye.

-'Bye.'

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Jill thinks this is a case of neglect and the owner could be prosecuted.

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It's vital she follows the correct procedure.

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She begins to gather evidence that will form part of her case.

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Animal welfare is about looking at your animal and saying to yourself,

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"Would I be comfortable left in those conditions,

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"and have I got what I require to be left for a long period of time?"

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Any person only has to look and think, "Well, I haven't got a drink,

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"I haven't got a comfortable area to sit or sleep in."

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'It's very obvious to any animal owner that more is required.'

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And the way Snowy is tethered is more evidence of neglect.

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It's the kind of chain that would be used for tethering a horse,

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not tethering your... Tethering a dog.

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Can you see all the twig entangled here with this chain?

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This is a classic example of where the dog will just knot up more and more,

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I think we can see how something like that

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can create...such a danger,

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and that, er... This just weighs a ton.

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There's a good girl.

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All the dogs are depressed and withdrawn, but Shandy seems particularly listless.

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Jill would love to take them away now,

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but she needs to wait for the vet and the police to arrive.

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These are conditions that I'm not happy to leave any animal in,

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and that's the reason I've called a veterinary surgeon,

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to see if he will support me that these dogs should be removed immediately.

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Still to come...

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Tia shows just how eager she is to escape her dirty pen.

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Come here, darling!

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Just grab her!

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Come on!

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And meet Zeus the goose, who also wants to get away.

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Don't you start on me!

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-Oh, dear!

-Fancies a swim.

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In Britain, pet ownership isn't just restricted to dogs, cats or rabbits.

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The number of people owning exotic animals and reptiles has more than doubled in the last few years,

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but these animals are difficult to keep and, all too often,

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people take them on without realising the level of care they require,

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or how big they can grow.

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Meet Ozzie, a five-foot long iguana with a bad attitude.

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But despite his temper, Ozzie is much loved.

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He's four years old, and has been raised by Ian and Hayley Wright.

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They've even built him a vivarium in the cupboard under the stairs.

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Don't...don't whip.

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Over the last year, Ozzie has grown much bigger, and has become more aggressive.

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On top of that, Ian suffers from epilepsy,

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and has not been able to give Ozzie the attention he needs.

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The Wrights think this isn't fair on their pet,

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so have agreed to give their iguana away to someone who can care for him properly.

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We're giving him up for rehoming.

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He's going to Hull rescue centre.

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We think it's the best thing to do.

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He's not getting the attention he should get.

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The less attention he gets, the worse he's going to get.

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They may look pretty when they're small, but they do get big,

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and they can grow up to six foot long, if not bigger.

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You can't keep them cramped up.

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There's no way you can keep them cramped up.

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Ian goes to give Ozzie his last feed.

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The iguana is true to form, and doesn't welcome the attention.

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You've always got to have your wits about you. He might bite or whip.

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Ian admits he is scared of his pet, and it's no surprise.

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Ozzie has razor-sharp teeth, and a tail that can deal a powerful blow.

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Ian has the scars to prove it.

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I've got a jaw mark going round, the shape of his mouth.

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-The teeth go backwards, so you have to...

-Like a saw blade, aren't they?

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So you have to wait, basically, till they let go,

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cos if you pull it out, you'll make it worse.

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I've been bitten on the face by him.

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I've got a scar there,

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I've got one near my lip.

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I've been whipped with his tail across my nose.

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-Oh, he got your eye, didn't he?

-And I had like a black eye.

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But who would be prepared to take on this bad-tempered iguana?

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Enter Hull-based Reptile Rescue.

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Antony Case and Lee Reeve are used to handling difficult animals,

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and have agreed to take Ozzie in and try and calm his temper.

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Hello, I'm Antony from Reptile Rescue Hull. Nice to meet you. And this is Lee.

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Let's have a look.

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-Temperament?

-He's been a bit aggressive.

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Well, what we'll do, we'll go in and see how he reacts to me, see if he bites me.

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Let's see. Let's have a good look at it. Just put the bracer up to make sure.

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There we go, and we're in.

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Antony makes his move, and Ozzie shows how hard to handle he can be.

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Can you get that glove off?

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I'm actually better without them.

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OK, OK... OK, OK...

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No, he's having a right belt.

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-On the scale of most aggressive iguanas...

-I've got his tail.

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I'm not worried about the tail, it's the legs.

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He's down.

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Let him go, let him go.

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Back legs, you need to pin. OK, calm down, calm down.

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Finally, Antony gains the upper hand.

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And we're out.

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He's pretty aggressive for an iguana.

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Um... However, he is in lovely condition.

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He is in excellent condition,

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and he's most probably going to be a six and a half foot iguana fully grown. Easily.

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Antony's confidence and expert handling is starting to pay off,

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as Ozzie begins to calm down.

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He's sitting a bit more relaxed now. There we go. OK, it's OK.

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Life's not terrible.

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There we go. There we go.

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With him, I think it's more the lack of handling recently,

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because of your epilepsy, obviously,

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but your lack of handling recently, I think he's just nervous.

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To him, it's suddenly like a downgrade,

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nobody's holding him or handling him or playing with him any more.

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Also, he's ready for breeding now.

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During breeding seasons, iguanas' testosterone...

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The best way of explaining it in layman's terms is it goes from one to a thousand, yeah?

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So they become very, very territorial.

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Outside his vivarium, it's easy to see just how much damage Ozzie could cause.

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A lot of people don't realise that the strength in the end of this tail is immense.

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That tail there, if that clouted you in your temple, you're gone, and that's it.

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These tails exert massive amounts of pressure in the whip.

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Ian and Hayley are doing the right thing in giving their pet away.

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It's not fair for him when he's wanting out, you know, and I'm not feeling well enough to do that.

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But, as Antony prepares Ozzie for the journey, it all becomes too much for Hayley.

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Come on, come and say goodbye to him before he goes.

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He'll be well looked after, but, at the end of the day, you can come and see him.

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-Thanks a lot.

-All right? And he'll be well looked after.

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-He'll be well looked after, don't you worry.

-OK.

-Come down and see him.

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All right? We'll see you soon.

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Come on then, little one.

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Ozzie is taken to Reptile Rescue HQ,

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and he takes pride of place on Antony's lap.

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The transformation in his behaviour is remarkable.

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Once nervous and agitated, he's now much more relaxed,

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and enjoying the journey.

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Right, let's pop him on here for a second and give him a quick once-over.

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You can see the full length of him now properly, yeah?

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He is starting to go orange, a sign of the breeding season, and you can see the teeth on him.

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This is like a piranha, so if this does bite down on your finger,

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your finger's going, it's as simple as that.

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As long as they don't feel scared, they're usually pretty timid in that respect, but still,

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you know, at the end of the day it is a WILD animal.

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OK, we'll introduce him to his new home,

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so hopefully he's going to enjoy it. So, let's try it out,

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see if he likes it, see if it has his appreciation or not.

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Oh, I think it does.

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Antony will now look for a new home for Ozzie,

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but he wants to be sure the next owner is the right one.

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As long as they can show that they've got the right equipment,

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the right knowledge and the time to give, we would happily rehome Ozzie to them with no charge.

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Whoever takes him would have to build a tank specifically for him,

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so we're looking at six foot high by about four by four, minimum.

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And the number one thing with an animal that's aggressive when it comes in, is to make it feel secure.

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99% of aggression is born through fear.

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Antony will keep Ozzie until he is confident he's found him a perfect new home.

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For now, the iguana seems to be enjoying his new surroundings,

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and hogs the limelight in the rescue centre's window.

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Later...

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Ozzie is on his best behaviour as he looks for a new owner.

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So far, since he's been here, he's been pretty good. He hasn't bitten anyone.

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He does have his days. Like humans, animals have bad days as well.

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And a testing time for Snowy, as she receives urgent treatment.

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OK... No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

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-Come on, you were fine before, weren't you?

-OK.

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Moving house is supposed to be one of the most stressful things we do in life.

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It can also affect our pets,

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especially if it means moving to a smaller house,

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where there is just not enough room to keep as many animals.

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But, as I found out when I spent the day with the RSPCA,

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it doesn't always have to be bad news.

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This large, leafy garden near Pinewood in Buckinghamshire

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is the luxurious home of one goose and a posse of ducks.

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They've lived here for eight years, but now their owner is downsizing

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and wants her animals to still enjoy the finer things of life.

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I've arrived with RSPCA animal collection officer Dennis Lovell

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to take these birds to their new home,

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and it seems they're eager to meet us.

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DUCKS QUACK

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As Dennis gets things ready, I go to meet owner Vanessa Williams.

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They've given us so much pleasure, they need to go to a nice home.

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But they've got a lot of space to roam around here.

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How are we going to corral them into somewhere we can actually get hold of them?

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We're going to do some duck-herding,

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which you'll enjoy.

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That sounds suspiciously like I'm going to look like a fool!

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No, not at all.

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Just signal the way you don't want them to go,

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and they will automatically move away from the stick,

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so they should start moving down gently that way.

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-So, how do we begin?

-OK, well, it's over to you.

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Your turn. The ducks are there.

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We need to get them down the drive,

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through the gate and into the duck shed.

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Sounds like one man and his flock!

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-And there isn't just ducks. There's a goose there as well, I see.

-Yeah.

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-What's the goose called?

-Zeus.

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-Zeus the goose!

-Yes, Zeus the goose.

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-Oh, brilliant.

-He's a Brecon Buff.

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In Greek mythology, Zeus is the king of all the gods,

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and he's certainly got a palace here,

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so it's unlikely he'll want to leave.

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I'd better concentrate on what I'm doing.

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I want them to go that way, so I put the stick out that way.

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Yeah, perfect. You should try and just catch them up a little bit, Tom.

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And with a few tips from Vanessa...

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The idea is to get them into the shed, not the pen, yeah?

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Absolutely, into the shed.

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..this wild goose chase goes swimmingly.

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Take it nice and slowly. They're going.

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Oh... Oh... Oh... Yay!

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The birds go right where we want them, and Dennis has a plan for stage two of the capture.

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I want to get Zeus out first.

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Yeah, you're right. You need to bring Zeus out first.

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Usually, if you just gently take him around the neck with your hand...

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I mean, obviously, gently. You know that yourself.

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.He will immobilise and freeze, and then you can just pick him up.

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Well, shall we go in, get tackling him?

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Hello, Zeus.

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Geese have a reputation for feistiness,

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but Dennis shows no fear, and Zeus is soon caught.

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OK. OK, Mr Zeus.

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-Well done.

-Looks quite a placid bird in your arms there.

-Yeah, but you can feel him.

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-He's a big, chunky bird.

-Isn't he gorgeous? What do you think about seeing him go?

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Well, I didn't think I would be emotional, but it's sad, you know.

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They've had a good home here, but he's going to a glorious environment and he will love it.

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And he'll soon find his place there, and probably end up being in charge.

0:19:510:19:55

I would think so, yeah.

0:19:550:19:56

Dennis settles Zeus down for the journey.

0:19:560:19:59

Now it's time to herd up his friends.

0:19:590:20:02

So, what's the technique here?

0:20:030:20:05

Well, we're going to use this board, and we're going to try and corner them.

0:20:050:20:09

If you flat-hand them on the back, Tom.

0:20:090:20:12

Mind the door, someone.

0:20:140:20:16

He's a tufty one. Who's this one?

0:20:170:20:20

-This is Romeo.

-Romeo.

0:20:200:20:22

With all the birds accounted for, they're ready to leave this posh pad to head for pastures new.

0:20:230:20:30

I'm intrigued to see what kind of home will match their old stomping ground.

0:20:300:20:34

While Vanessa may be downsizing,

0:20:400:20:42

Zeus and his pals are doing anything but.

0:20:420:20:44

This large farm right in the heart of the countryside is their new home.

0:20:440:20:48

Animal lover Peter Butcher has agreed to take on the birds,

0:20:510:20:55

and keep them in the manner to which they've become accustomed.

0:20:550:20:57

-PARROT: Hello!

-Hello! So, how many birds and animals do you think you've got here, Peter?

0:20:570:21:03

Well, there's 18 ponies, there's four alpacas,

0:21:030:21:08

seven goats, and about 240 birds.

0:21:080:21:12

-And two sheep.

-Why?

0:21:120:21:15

Well, most of them need rescuing.

0:21:150:21:17

We love our animals, and I think, if we can give them a good home

0:21:170:21:21

where they can just live the rest of their days in peace and quiet,

0:21:210:21:25

then, you know, it makes us feel good.

0:21:250:21:27

When we look for a new home, quite often first impressions are what counts.

0:21:270:21:32

Oh, let's take you in, yes.

0:21:320:21:34

Oh, yes. Hello, darling.

0:21:340:21:38

It's love at first sight for Peter.

0:21:380:21:40

Now I'm keen to see how Zeus reacts to his new lake,

0:21:400:21:44

and his new neighbours.

0:21:440:21:46

Very excited about the water!

0:21:460:21:49

Oh! Oh, cor!

0:21:490:21:51

Don't you start on me! Oh, dear.

0:21:510:21:54

Fancies a swim.

0:21:540:21:56

But, much as Zeus is chomping at the bit, he's going to have to be patient.

0:21:560:22:01

Are we going to be able to get these straight out on to the lake?

0:22:010:22:05

As tempting as it is, I don't think we ought to, actually.

0:22:050:22:08

I think they should have a couple of days sort of on their own, just while they can acclimatise.

0:22:080:22:13

It would be a bit mind-boggling for them, you think?

0:22:130:22:15

I think so. The environment they came from was really quiet, under the trees, wasn't it?

0:22:150:22:21

Very quiet, on their own.

0:22:210:22:22

Now, all of a sudden, they've got loads of friends.

0:22:220:22:25

And some spectacularly noisy parrots in the background.

0:22:250:22:28

And some great parrots, exactly!

0:22:280:22:30

PARROT: Hello!

0:22:300:22:32

Peter has set aside a small enclosure for the new arrivals,

0:22:320:22:36

where they can settle in and get used to being one of the crowd.

0:22:360:22:40

All right.

0:22:400:22:41

-There.

-He wants his brood out, doesn't he?

-Yeah.

0:22:410:22:45

Oh, look at this, darlings!

0:22:450:22:48

-Oh!

-This is Romeo in here, apparently, the one with the tuft.

0:22:480:22:51

-He's gorgeous.

-Oh, he's straight out!

0:22:510:22:54

Oh, look at them.

0:22:570:22:59

Look, here they come.

0:22:590:23:01

And after a few moments, the reception committee arrives.

0:23:010:23:05

He's the boss.

0:23:050:23:08

-That's somewhat of a welcome.

-Yeah, Mr Farmyard.

0:23:080:23:10

When they go out, actually on to the lake, within two hours, they're just the best of friends.

0:23:100:23:15

That's all talk, that is.

0:23:150:23:18

There's another goose like Zeus, isn't there? Is that another Brecon?

0:23:180:23:22

That's another Brecon. That's a female, which he will enjoy very much in a short time.

0:23:220:23:28

It's quite nice for you, this, Dennis.

0:23:300:23:33

Is it unusual to be taking animals from a nice situation and taking them to an even better one?

0:23:330:23:39

-It's all quite upbeat, really.

-Yes, it is. This is obviously a lovely place for them to come.

0:23:390:23:43

There is nothing wrong with where they were, but the lady needed help,

0:23:430:23:47

didn't she, and it was just nice

0:23:470:23:49

that we were able to help her in this sort of way.

0:23:490:23:51

Coming up...

0:24:000:24:02

another amazing new home, this time for Ozzie.

0:24:020:24:05

He's sensing, he's using his tongue, he's tasting. Off he goes.

0:24:050:24:09

He seems to like it.

0:24:090:24:11

Now we're back with RSPCA inspector Jill Cawdor,

0:24:130:24:17

who's investigating a complaint of neglect to four dogs.

0:24:170:24:21

Jill found problems with the way each of these animals was being kept.

0:24:210:24:25

They were tied up with dangerous tethers,

0:24:250:24:28

two were seriously underweight,

0:24:280:24:31

and a Rottweiler was locked in a dirty pen.

0:24:310:24:34

Jill wanted to take the animals away,

0:24:340:24:37

but legally she needed police and a vet to support her case.

0:24:370:24:41

It's midday, and the police have arrived at the property.

0:24:450:24:48

Jill briefs them on what she's found.

0:24:480:24:50

There's four dogs,

0:24:500:24:52

Rottie male, Rottie female, white German Shepherd bitch

0:24:520:24:55

and a Lab cross bitch.

0:24:550:24:57

I know all the dogs. I've dealt with them a lot.

0:24:570:24:59

And after several minutes, vet Edward Button is also on the scene.

0:24:590:25:04

Jill can't seize the dogs without a vet's support.

0:25:050:25:08

If Edward decides the dogs are suffering,

0:25:080:25:11

Jill can take them immediately.

0:25:110:25:13

He's shocked by what he sees.

0:25:140:25:16

-Is this how they are? You've tied them up here, have you?

-No, no, this is...

0:25:160:25:19

-This is how they're left?

-Exactly. I haven't touched them.

0:25:190:25:22

Snowy the German Shepherd is first to be examined, and she's extremely thin.

0:25:220:25:28

Her coat is thick and dirty, and this is disguising her bony frame.

0:25:280:25:32

-She's got a big clump under this ear.

-Yeah, matted up here.

0:25:320:25:37

It's now Rottweiler Bronson's turn.

0:25:370:25:41

He seems pleased to be getting some attention.

0:25:410:25:44

He's in slightly better physical condition.

0:25:440:25:47

He's not as thin, but you can see the conditions he's kept in.

0:25:470:25:51

It's not very satisfactory, is it,

0:25:510:25:54

basically standing in his own faeces?

0:25:540:25:57

It's unacceptable to keep animals tied like this in these conditions,

0:25:590:26:04

without looking after them a bit better.

0:26:040:26:07

They don't get thin like this overnight, that's the thing.

0:26:070:26:11

They get progressive weight loss if they're underfed.

0:26:110:26:15

Edward is concerned about Bronson and Snowy,

0:26:150:26:19

but, of all the dogs, Shandy looks in an even worse condition.

0:26:190:26:23

-Obviously a bit nervous.

-Good girl, good girl.

0:26:230:26:26

She's timid and shaking with nerves.

0:26:260:26:28

-There's a good girl.

-All right.

0:26:280:26:30

She's thin, isn't she?

0:26:330:26:34

Yeah, yeah.

0:26:340:26:36

Edward has seen enough. It's clear something needs to be done.

0:26:360:26:39

Yeah, I mean, you can't just leave dogs like this.

0:26:390:26:42

Do you think these have been caused to suffer by the weight loss and conditions? Are you happy to say?

0:26:420:26:47

Yes, I would say that...

0:26:470:26:50

I mean, just to look at the condition of them,

0:26:500:26:52

they're obviously not getting adequate care and attention, and food.

0:26:520:26:56

Edward decides that none of these dogs should have to live like this.

0:26:560:27:01

It's the result Jill wanted.

0:27:010:27:03

All dogs are going to be removed. The police will seize all four dogs.

0:27:030:27:06

The vet's happy that the animals have been caused unnecessary suffering due to being so thin,

0:27:060:27:11

and the conditions they're living in. He's supporting me

0:27:110:27:14

on a Section Nine offence under the Animal Welfare Act,

0:27:140:27:17

in that these two Rotties here, their needs aren't being met.

0:27:170:27:20

They're not being kept in adequate enough conditions.

0:27:200:27:23

That's what we're going to run with.

0:27:230:27:24

Jill's relieved that all the dogs can now be removed.

0:27:240:27:29

First to go is Rottweiler Bronson.

0:27:290:27:31

-Want me to hold him with you?

-Yep.

0:27:310:27:33

He's healthier, and clearly excited to be off his tether.

0:27:330:27:37

Next it's Tia's turn.

0:27:370:27:40

After being caged in a dirty pen, she too is keen to be leaving, and makes a bolt for freedom.

0:27:400:27:46

Come here, darling! Just grab her!

0:27:460:27:48

Come on!

0:27:480:27:51

But Tia's escape is short-lived, and she's quickly brought under control.

0:27:510:27:57

Both Rottweilers are healthy enough to go straight to the local animal centre,

0:27:570:28:02

but for Shandy and Snowy it's a different story.

0:28:020:28:05

Because they're underweight, they need immediate treatment.

0:28:050:28:09

They're taken back to the surgery where they can be properly assessed.

0:28:090:28:13

Edward's first job is to check Shandy's weight.

0:28:190:28:22

A dog of this breed should weigh at least 25 kilos.

0:28:220:28:26

19.3, yeah.

0:28:260:28:28

Shandy is more than 20% below that.

0:28:280:28:31

Right, then, let's just pop you on the table. Come on. There we go. Good girl.

0:28:310:28:35

Edward needs to check there are no alternative causes

0:28:350:28:38

for Shandy's weight loss other than being underfed.

0:28:380:28:42

She's a lovely dog.

0:28:420:28:44

There's no actual wound or sores, or... She's not been scratching, and no skin problems.

0:28:440:28:49

It's just...condition, isn't it?

0:28:490:28:51

-Right.

-You know, and the state that she had to...

-Live in.

-..live in.

0:28:510:28:55

A blood test will check for any underlying illnesses or disease.

0:28:550:28:59

-Brave girl.

-All right, well done.

0:28:590:29:02

But one thing's for certain, Shandy is starving.

0:29:020:29:05

We do tend to feed a dog, you know, bringing it in on examination like tonight,

0:29:050:29:10

just to show the fact that they are very hungry.

0:29:100:29:14

The minute they're offered water and food, it's something that they are wanting, you know,

0:29:140:29:18

and her body weight shows that she clearly hasn't been getting enough.

0:29:180:29:22

That went down very well, didn't it?

0:29:220:29:25

It's now Snowy's turn. She's also underweight, but the true extent of her neglect is hidden.

0:29:250:29:31

This dog is thin, isn't she?

0:29:310:29:33

But her coat is really quite disguising.

0:29:330:29:37

Snowy has had a traumatic few hours,

0:29:370:29:39

and is clearly terrified by her new surroundings.

0:29:390:29:42

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

0:29:420:29:45

-Is it the noise of the clippers?

-All right, darling.

0:29:470:29:49

Come on, you were fine before, weren't you?

0:29:490:29:52

She's actually really a very kind dog.

0:29:520:29:55

She's just very worried, and just, probably, lack of being socialised.

0:29:550:29:59

You know, this sort of situation is a little overwhelming for her.

0:29:590:30:03

She's just not sure what's coming next.

0:30:030:30:05

They just don't know quite what to expect. Give you a feed, shall we?

0:30:050:30:09

Pop you down.

0:30:090:30:12

Snowy's reaction to the food is very telling.

0:30:120:30:15

Oh, let me 'ave it!

0:30:150:30:17

Well, she's pretty starving, I would say, poor girl.

0:30:170:30:22

Yeah, she's certainly devoured that at a rate of knots, hasn't she? Certainly a hungry dog.

0:30:220:30:27

That's it, it's gone.

0:30:270:30:29

Snowy and Shandy are now safe, and Jill thinks that the evidence

0:30:290:30:33

for her prosecution case is starting to mount.

0:30:330:30:37

So I think the conditions were, for the dogs, that they were living in, were very poor,

0:30:370:30:43

and I'd hope they would be confiscated, and we are able to put the dogs up for a new home.

0:30:430:30:47

That's what we hope with every case that we're taking,

0:30:470:30:50

I'm dealing with it as a serious case tonight,

0:30:500:30:54

and I don't see any reason, at the moment, why I wouldn't hope to get that result.

0:30:540:30:59

It's been an ordeal for Snowy and Shandy, but at least they're out of that back yard.

0:30:590:31:05

But their health is still a concern, and both dogs have a long way to go.

0:31:050:31:09

Still to come...

0:31:130:31:15

-Shandy's on her way to a better life.

-She's a new dog.

0:31:150:31:19

This is what we hoped to achieve.

0:31:190:31:21

It's just fantastic.

0:31:210:31:23

We're getting her back to where she should be.

0:31:230:31:27

Earlier, we brought you the story of a bad-tempered iguana called Ozzie.

0:31:300:31:35

He's had to leave the care of his owners, and is now in a temporary home at Reptile Rescue in Hull,

0:31:350:31:41

hoping to catch the eye of a new owner.

0:31:410:31:44

But finding a home properly equipped to care for a potentially aggressive

0:31:440:31:48

five-foot reptile is not straightforward.

0:31:480:31:52

For the past month, Ozzie has been in good company.

0:31:580:32:01

He's been sharing his home with dozens of other reptiles

0:32:050:32:08

who have also found themselves in need of help.

0:32:080:32:11

Abandonment is a typical thing with most reptiles nowadays.

0:32:120:32:16

The main reason is that the craze on reptiles has taken over,

0:32:160:32:20

and now more people actually want a reptile than they do a cat or a dog.

0:32:200:32:23

We started Reptile Rescue five years ago, but at the time we ran it from home.

0:32:280:32:33

Since then, in the last year, we joined up with what was a local pet shop,

0:32:330:32:37

under the agreement that he would no longer sell reptiles which we don't.

0:32:370:32:41

If somebody comes in and they've got the right equipment, they can leave with a reptile.

0:32:410:32:45

If they come in and they haven't got the right equipment and they buy it,

0:32:450:32:49

which is what funds us now, they can leave with a reptile.

0:32:490:32:52

So, as long as they have the right equipment to care for it,

0:32:520:32:55

the same as you wouldn't send a dog into a home with no food or water bowl,

0:32:550:32:58

we wouldn't send a snake or a reptile into a home without the correct lighting or heating.

0:32:580:33:03

Whoever decides to take Ozzie will have to prove to Antony

0:33:050:33:09

that they can give him a suitable home.

0:33:090:33:11

They must have a vivarium,

0:33:110:33:13

and it must be big enough for Ozzie to exercise in.

0:33:130:33:16

It must also have UV lighting to simulate his natural environment,

0:33:160:33:20

and the family must be able to put up with his bad temper.

0:33:200:33:24

So far, since he's been here, he's been pretty good.

0:33:240:33:28

He hasn't bitten anyone. He does have his days, but we expect that with any iguana.

0:33:280:33:32

Like humans, animals have bad days as well.

0:33:320:33:35

The colouration's come back an awful lot, a much happier little man.

0:33:350:33:39

And now a family have shown interest in giving Ozzie a new home.

0:33:410:33:45

Meet Colin and Laura Nolan,

0:33:450:33:47

and their two children, Edward and Ethan.

0:33:470:33:49

They already keep a number of iguanas,

0:33:530:33:55

and now Colin has built this amazing enclosure especially for Ozzie.

0:33:550:33:59

He's converted two store cupboards

0:33:590:34:02

with a connecting tunnel into a large vivarium,

0:34:020:34:06

and it's passed Antony's high standards.

0:34:060:34:09

Now it's time to find out if Ozzie likes it too.

0:34:090:34:13

-Hi, Antony.

-Hello, Colin. I need to get him in as quick as possible...

0:34:150:34:19

Oh, come on in. Yes, come in.

0:34:190:34:20

This is Ozzie, your new iguana,

0:34:220:34:25

-who seems...

-Beautiful.

0:34:250:34:27

Who seems quite besotted with getting in his new home himself.

0:34:270:34:32

He's sensing, he's using his tongue, he's tasting, he's thinking about it.

0:34:320:34:37

Off he goes.

0:34:370:34:40

He seems to like it.

0:34:400:34:42

He's having no problem climbing.

0:34:420:34:44

Make sure he can actually make it up to his

0:34:440:34:46

walkway into his second tank...

0:34:460:34:48

Oh, more than easily.

0:34:480:34:50

More than easily.

0:34:500:34:51

There we go, perfect.

0:34:510:34:54

Ozzie takes to his new lair straight away, and Antony's impressed.

0:34:540:34:58

Rather than just being stuck in this one vivarium all day, he can actually diversify.

0:34:580:35:04

He can move across into the other vivarium, he can sit in the middle.

0:35:040:35:07

It gives him lots of things to enjoy and search for.

0:35:070:35:10

It also means Colin's able to move his veg about more,

0:35:100:35:13

so rather than making it a simple "there's your veg", he can put it in here, in here, in here,

0:35:130:35:18

and make it more realistic where the iguana has to search for the vegetables,

0:35:180:35:22

as it would have to forage in the wild.

0:35:220:35:24

Colin has clearly put a lot of thought and creativity into the vivarium,

0:35:270:35:31

and he's delighted with his new arrival.

0:35:310:35:34

He looks awesome. He looks really cool.

0:35:340:35:37

He looks really healthy, has good colouring, and a good size.

0:35:370:35:42

Whenever we handle the iguanas,

0:35:420:35:44

we know how to look after them and we know... We respect them.

0:35:440:35:47

They're a big animal, they're a wild animal,

0:35:470:35:49

and we've got to respect them, and we do.

0:35:490:35:52

It's just an awesome creature.

0:35:520:35:54

He's done an excellent job with it, It's perfect for Ozzie.

0:35:550:35:59

I think he's going to settle in nicely here and thoroughly enjoy himself,

0:35:590:36:03

which is what we want.

0:36:030:36:04

You know, the whole process of rescuing is that once you get them into a home this good,

0:36:040:36:09

and when you see something like this, this makes it worthwhile.

0:36:090:36:12

And, after his dinner, Ozzie is content to soak up a few UV rays.

0:36:120:36:18

It's clear this iguana has found a real home from home.

0:36:180:36:22

Finally today, it's time to catch up with the four dogs rescued from a filthy back yard.

0:36:270:36:33

Shandy, Snowy, Tia and Bronson were all being kept in shocking conditions.

0:36:330:36:37

They were malnourished and neglected,

0:36:370:36:41

so RSPCA inspector Jill Cawdor was called in to save them.

0:36:410:36:46

This is the RSPCA animal home in York.

0:36:510:36:55

Today, Jill has come back to check on Rottweilers Tia and Bronson.

0:36:550:36:59

Just a month ago, they were caged and chained in a dirty yard.

0:36:590:37:02

Now they're getting used to a new way of life.

0:37:020:37:06

Come on, Tia.

0:37:060:37:07

Good girl!

0:37:080:37:09

Tia and Bronson are both doing really well.

0:37:090:37:13

They've settled in to the kennels well.

0:37:130:37:15

Bronson is a big strong boy. He's quite difficult to handle.

0:37:150:37:19

He's not, obviously, had a lot of socialisation, he's lacking a few manners.

0:37:190:37:24

Tia, you can see, she's enjoying all the attention

0:37:240:37:28

that she's getting here at the RSPCA.

0:37:280:37:30

Bronson is loving the attention too,

0:37:310:37:33

and enjoys his daily groom by kennel-hand Marie Sandle.

0:37:330:37:38

Bronson's getting on really, really well.

0:37:380:37:41

He has calmed down a bit since he first came in.

0:37:410:37:44

I don't think he'd ever been taught how to walk on a collar and lead,

0:37:440:37:47

so we've had to start from scratch, really.

0:37:470:37:50

He's very friendly towards everybody he meets, and he is a firm favourite with the staff here.

0:37:500:37:55

The regular grooming is helping Bronson look and smell better.

0:37:550:38:00

He was a bit stinky and a bit fluffy when he first came in,

0:38:000:38:05

so it's really nice for the dog.

0:38:050:38:08

Rottweilers have a bad reputation for being aggressive,

0:38:090:38:12

but these two are far from the stereotype.

0:38:120:38:15

Even though they're surrounded by strangers,

0:38:150:38:18

they have remained good-natured.

0:38:180:38:20

You know, sadly, Rottweilers do get a bad name,

0:38:200:38:24

and a lot of bad press, and it's like with any dog,

0:38:240:38:28

it's understanding the breed and them being handled correctly,

0:38:280:38:32

but you can see what a lovely-natured, er...

0:38:320:38:34

lovely-natured girl she is.

0:38:340:38:38

Jill is delighted to have rescued Bronson and Tia from their dirty back yard.

0:38:380:38:43

They will now stay with the RSPCA

0:38:430:38:44

until their owner has been dealt with.

0:38:440:38:47

Good girl!

0:38:470:38:48

Shandy and Snowy, the other dogs that were seized from the same back yard,

0:38:480:38:53

were in a much worse condition.

0:38:530:38:55

They were skinny, malnourished, and very nervous.

0:38:550:38:58

They've had to stay at the vet's surgery until their health improves.

0:38:580:39:02

Today is the day of their final medical check with vet Edward Button.

0:39:020:39:07

Right, we'll just take her weight, then.

0:39:070:39:11

She's certainly put on a lot of condition, hasn't she?

0:39:110:39:14

Good girl, just calm down.

0:39:140:39:15

It's 25.8.

0:39:150:39:19

She's obviously put on a lot of weight since I saw her last,

0:39:190:39:22

which is a month ago when we rescued her,

0:39:220:39:25

and the overall impression is that she's now filled out a lot.

0:39:250:39:30

You can see that she's put on about 50% weight from when she was rescued, which is great,

0:39:300:39:35

cos this is more the normal weight that she ought to be.

0:39:350:39:38

She's still got room to put a little bit more on, hasn't she?

0:39:380:39:41

She's still just a little bit...

0:39:410:39:42

Although she's quite a slight dog...

0:39:420:39:44

She's a small frame, but I think she'll probably put on a few kilos more yet.

0:39:440:39:48

It's all right.

0:39:480:39:50

And Snowy's not just put on weight.

0:39:500:39:53

She's also gaining in confidence.

0:39:530:39:56

Come on, stand up.

0:39:560:39:57

From seeing her on the day, she was a very, very nervous dog,

0:39:570:40:01

and you can still see that she is...

0:40:010:40:03

She still is quite nervous,

0:40:030:40:04

but equally she really, really wants to be fussed and have the attention,

0:40:040:40:08

sometimes she just loses a little bit of courage.

0:40:080:40:11

You know, she hasn't seen the vet for a month...

0:40:110:40:15

Just a little bit uncertain in this situation,

0:40:150:40:18

but overall she's doing really well.

0:40:180:40:20

We're really pleased with her.

0:40:200:40:22

Shandy was in the worst state of all the dogs.

0:40:270:40:30

She was extremely skinny, with a bony frame and protruding ribs.

0:40:300:40:35

She was also listless and downbeat.

0:40:350:40:38

She's now fatter and brighter.

0:40:390:40:42

-Hello, Jill.

-Hi there.

0:40:430:40:46

-Hello! How are you doing, eh?

-Well, she's doing really well.

0:40:460:40:50

You're doing well. You are, aren't you?

0:40:500:40:52

Looks quite a different dog, doesn't she?

0:40:520:40:54

You're a different dog completely, aren't you, eh?

0:40:540:40:58

Shandy's put on more than seven kilos and is now back up to her ideal weight,

0:40:580:41:03

and she looks better too.

0:41:030:41:04

Every time she breathes, you can see the ribs have really...

0:41:040:41:08

She's put on muscle all over, though. She's in good nick now.

0:41:080:41:11

She's got just the right amount of body condition on.

0:41:110:41:16

Obviously come on leaps and bounds, this one, hasn't she?

0:41:160:41:19

And, like Snowy, it's not just Shandy's physical state that's improved.

0:41:190:41:24

She was very, very nervous and, you know, didn't even want the vet to approach her,

0:41:240:41:30

and today she's walking in confidently, she's pleased to...

0:41:300:41:34

She's pleased to see people.

0:41:340:41:36

She's a new dog. This is what we hoped to achieve.

0:41:360:41:39

It's just fantastic. We're getting her back to where she should be.

0:41:390:41:44

Edward is happy with both Shandy and Snowy's progress.

0:41:470:41:50

They're now fit and healthy enough to leave the vet's surgery.

0:41:500:41:54

Snowy is at the local rehoming centre,

0:41:550:41:57

trying to catch the eye of a new owner.

0:41:570:42:00

For Shandy, though, the news is even better.

0:42:000:42:02

She's already been reserved.

0:42:020:42:05

We do have some wonderful new owners that are very eager to take her.

0:42:050:42:09

They've passed all their home checks,

0:42:090:42:11

and it would be nice if we can get her away sooner rather than later.

0:42:110:42:15

You can see she's a lovely dog

0:42:150:42:17

and she's going to make an absolutely fantastic pet.

0:42:170:42:21

From seeing her when I found her,

0:42:230:42:25

and to then watching her walk out the gates with her new owner is what the job is about.

0:42:250:42:30

And it's nice that she's going to go on to somewhere wonderful

0:42:300:42:34

and get the love and attention that she deserves.

0:42:340:42:37

If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime,

0:42:410:42:44

or a creature that needs immediate protection,

0:42:440:42:48

remember, there are dedicated professionals out there

0:42:480:42:51

who will answer your call around the clock.

0:42:510:42:53

They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.

0:42:530:42:56

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